TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Mk 9:30-37) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVEYONE

“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mk 9:35)

FIRST READING: Wis 2:12, 17-20

First reading from the Book of Wisdom

The wicked say:

Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us;

he sets himself against our doings,

reproaches us for transgressions of the law

and charges us with violations of our training.

Let us see whether his words be true;

let us find out what will happen to him.

For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him

and deliver him from the hand of his foes.

With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test

that we may have proof of his gentleness

and try his patience.

Let us condemn him to a shameful death;

for according to his own words, God will take care of him.

SECOND READING from the Letter of James

Jas 3:16—4:3

Beloved:

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,

there is disorder and every foul practice.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure,

then peaceable, gentle, compliant,

full of mercy and good fruits,

without inconstancy or insincerity.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace

for those who cultivate peace.

Where do the wars

and where do the conflicts among you come from?

Is it not from your passions

that make war within your members?

You covet but do not possess.

You kill and envy but you cannot obtain;

you fight and wage war.

You do not possess because you do not ask.

You ask but do not receive,

because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Mk 9:30-37)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVEYONE

Dear People of God,

Today’s Word of God, God the Father, calls people to abandon sinful desires and passions in their thoughts, words and actions. Only when people live with a simple heart like children, always trusting and relying on the power of God the Father, will they have peace and happiness in His love and grace, and will they listen to God the Father's teachings and put them into practice.

God the Father has promised that those who believe in His love and power will enjoy happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven. But we must demonstrate our faith by following the commandments that God the Father teaches: we must abandon greed, abandon the passions and desires that Satan brings, be determined to obey God's will, stay away from all occasions of sin, and not create an opportunity for Satan to act in our bodies and souls. To do that, people need to have a simple, gentle, and humble life, so that God the Father can touch their souls, and the Holy Spirit will motivate them to listen and practice His daily teachings.

The Word of God in today's Gospel, Jesus Christ foretold His disciples that He would be condemned, persecuted, and killed. However, after three days He would rise again. He also taught them to live in love, sacrifice, service, abandon fame and power, and abandon themselves, so that God the Father can work in them in order to defeat Satan and the evils they bring. Through this, God the Father also invites people today not to be like the disciples of Jesus Christ in the past, who followed the temptations of Satan and desired power, position, and fame in this world.

God the Father wants to teach people to be awake and seek the Kingdom of Heaven, to live with a spirit of love and service to others without obligation, to sacrifice themselves to love God and others as themselves. Live with a spirit of trust, relying on God's power. Live a gentle and simple life, always clinging to God, relying on Him to give you the strength to overcome the temptations of Satan that they bring forth. This is what pleases God the Father. Though if we turn against His will and live in jealousy, competition, envy, hatred, and division, we will fall into Satan's traps and it will lead humans to eternal death like them.

God the Father wants people today to know how to live humbly and lowly before His majestic face. Do not be arrogant anymore, do not compete with each other, do not be jealous of each other, do not hate and kill each other anymore. Live gently and simply, so that God the Father can touch your soul, finding peace and happiness in this life and the next life in His Kingdom.

Thanks be to God. Amen.